Matthew Hammond has been appointed as a director in the business-recovery services team at accountants PricewaterhouseCoopers in the Midlands.

Mr Hammond is an established recovery specialist and has worked with PwC for eight years, covering the South-west and Wales region.

His move to the firm's Cornwall Court office marks a return to Birmingham where he previously worked for three years.

The BRS team provides advisory and insolvency services to local businesses and individuals in different financial situations.

In his new role, Mr Hammond will focus on assisting management teams, their lenders and stakeholders who are undergoing financial and operational restructuring.

His other responsibilities will include working with the BRS team on corporateinsolvency appointments.

Mr Hammond said: "I am delighted with the prospect of joining such a dynamic team here in the Midlands, and couldn't turn down the chance to return to this thriving business community.

"Almost all of the UK's main lenders have a base here and I look forward to establishing myself here for the long term."

Rob Hunt, partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Birmingham, added: "Matthew is a great addition to our strong core of partners and directors in the Midlands.

"He will build on the expertise of our 45-strong BRS team currently providing financial, operational and strategic advice to companies, as well as working on accelerated mergers and acquisitions, administrations and liquidations.

"The work of the BRS team has seen much change over the past 18 months.

"Since the introduction of the Enterprise Act in September 2003, Pricewaterhouse-Coopers has been increasingly working alongside companies in restructuring plans."